System and method for actuating a mechanical diode clutch assembly

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an actuation assembly for applying a mechanical diode clutch. The clutch includes an outer member, an inner member, and a strut. The actuation assembly includes a plate having an apply portion and a plurality of legs, where each of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to the apply portion and a second end adapted to couple to a shift sleeve. A mechanism is coupled to the apply portion of the plate. The mechanism includes at least one biasing member. The plate is moveable between an unapply position and an apply position such that a movement from the unapply position to the apply position induces contact between the mechanism and the strut.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a transmission, and in particular, toa system and method for controlling a clutch assembly of thetransmission.

BACKGROUND

Conventional transmission assemblies utilize clutch or clutch assembliesin a wide array of applications to selectively couple power from aninput member to an output member. The input member can be a drivingdisk, hub, or plate and the output member can be a driven disk, hub, orplate. When the clutch or clutch assembly is engaged, power from theinput member can be transferred to the output member. Many conventionaltransmissions incorporate different clutch designs into their respectivesystems for selectively transferring power from the input of thetransmission to the output thereof. Some of the designs, such as amechanical diode clutch, can provide improvements to shifting, cost, andpackaging. The mechanical diode clutch can result in increasedefficiency by cutting spin losses and providing fuel consumptionadvantages over other clutch designs.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an actuation assembly isprovided for applying a mechanical diode clutch. The clutch includes anouter member, an inner member, and a strut. The actuation assemblyincludes a plate having an apply portion and a plurality of legs, whereeach of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to the applyportion and a second end adapted to couple to a shift sleeve. Amechanism is coupled to the apply portion of the plate. The mechanismincludes at least one biasing member. The plate is moveable between anunapply position and an apply position such that a movement from theunapply position to the apply position induces contact between themechanism and the strut.

In one aspect, the second end of at least one of the plurality of legscomprises a bent end adapted to couple to the shift sleeve. In a secondaspect, the apply portion forms a substantially planar face that isdisposed substantially orthogonal to the plurality of legs. In a thirdaspect, the apply portion defines an opening therein for receiving themechanism. In another aspect, a retaining clip is provided for couplingthe mechanism to the apply portion. In a further aspect, the mechanismis moveable about an axial direction relative to the apply portion. Inyet a further aspect, splined teeth are formed on an inner diameter ofthe plate, the splined teeth configured to engage corresponding teeth onan internal body. In a different aspect, a dimple is formed on a bottomsurface of each of the plurality of legs, where in the apply positionthe dimple is adapted to be received within a recess defined in aninternal body.

In another aspect, the mechanism comprises a spring coupled to the applyportion. In a different aspect, the mechanism comprises a pin coupled tothe apply portion of the plate, where the apply portion defines anopening for receiving the pin. The mechanism further includes a springcircumscribing the pin and disposed between the plate and one end of thepin. In yet another aspect, the mechanism comprises a cap and a spring.The cap is coupled to the apply portion of the plate, where the applyportion defines an opening for receiving the cap. The spring is coupledat one end to the cap. In a further aspect, the mechanism comprises aplunger coupled to the apply portion of the plate, the plunger definingan interior cavity for receiving a spring and a retractable member. Thespring is substantially retained within the interior cavity and theretractable member is coupled to the spring and at least a portion ofthe recessed end protrudes from the interior cavity. In an alternativeaspect, the recessed portion is disposed substantially within theinterior cavity in the apply position and is at least partially disposedoutside of the interior cavity in the unapply position.

In another embodiment, a transmission system includes a mechanical diodeclutch including an outer member and an inner member. The outer memberis coupled to an outer body and the inner member is coupled to an innerbody. The outer member is structured to define a recessed opening. Astrut is positioned relative to the outer member for being at leastpartially received in the recessed opening. The system also includes ashift sleeve moveable from a first position to a second position, wherethe shift sleeve defines a first opening adapted to receive a shiftfork. An actuation assembly includes a plate having an apply portion anda plurality of legs. Each of the plurality of legs has a first endcoupled to the apply portion and a second end coupled to the shiftsleeve. A mechanism is coupled to the apply portion of the plate. Here,a movement of the shift sleeve between the first position and secondposition induces a substantially concomitant movement of the actuationassembly between an apply position and an unapply position. Moreover, inthe apply position, the mechanism is disposed in contact with the strut.

In one aspect, the shift sleeve includes a defined notch for receivingthe second end of each of the plurality of legs. In a second aspect,splined teeth are formed on an inner diameter of the plate such that thesplined teeth are configured to engage corresponding teeth on the innerbody. In a third aspect, the inner body comprises a plurality oflocations about its outer diameter that are substantially free of anyteeth, where at least one of the plurality of legs is disposed in atleast one of the plurality of locations. In a fourth aspect, a dimple isformed on a bottom surface of each of the plurality of legs and a recessis defined in an outer diameter of the inner body. In the applyposition, the dimple is adapted to be received within the definedrecess. In another aspect, the mechanism includes a pin coupled to theapply portion of the plate and a spring circumscribing the pin anddisposed between the plate and one end of the pin. The apply portiondefines an opening for receiving the pin. In a different aspect, themechanism includes a plunger coupled to the apply portion of the plate,a spring being substantially retained within an interior cavity of theplunger, and a retractable member coupled to the spring. In the applyposition, at least a portion of the recessed member is disposed in theinterior cavity of the plunger in the apply position.

In an alternative aspect, the transmission system can include a secondmechanical diode clutch including an outer member and an inner member.The outer member is coupled to a second outer body and the inner memberis coupled to the inner body, where the outer member is structured todefine a recessed opening. A second strut is positioned relative to theouter member for being at least partially received in the recessedopening. A second shift sleeve is moveable from a first position to asecond position. The system can further include a second actuationassembly having a plate with an apply portion and a plurality of legs,where each of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to the applyportion and a second end coupled to the second shift sleeve. A secondmechanism is coupled to the apply portion of the plate. The firstactuation assembly moves in a first direction from the unapply positionto the apply position and the second actuation assembly moves in asecond direction from the unapply position to the apply position, wherethe first direction is opposite the second direction. In a relatedaspect, each of the plurality of legs of the first and second actuationassemblies are positioned between the inner body and the upper membersof both the first and second mechanical diode clutches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner ofobtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a first embodiment of a partial transmissionsystem;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an actuation plate for mechanicallyactuating a mechanical diode clutch assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of another actuation plate formechanically actuating a mechanical diode clutch assembly;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a second embodiment of a partial transmissionsystem;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a third embodiment of a partial transmissionsystem;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an actuation plate for engaging a mechanicaldiode clutch assembly;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of another actuation plate for engaging amechanical diode clutch assembly; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram and schematic view of one embodiment of apowered vehicular system.

Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention described below are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodimentsare chosen and described so that others skilled in the art mayappreciate and understand the principles and practices of the presentinvention.

Referring first to FIG. 8, a block diagram and schematic view of oneillustrative embodiment of a vehicular system 800 having a drive unit802 and transmission 818 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, thedrive unit 802 may include an internal combustion engine, diesel engine,electric motor, or other power-generating device. The drive unit 802 isconfigured to rotatably drive an output shaft 804 that is coupled to aninput or pump shaft 806 of a conventional torque converter 808. Theinput or pump shaft 806 is coupled to an impeller or pump 810 that isrotatably driven by the output shaft 804 of the drive unit 802. Thetorque converter 808 further includes a turbine 812 that is coupled to aturbine shaft 814, and the turbine shaft 814 is coupled to, or integralwith, a rotatable input shaft 824 of the transmission 818. Thetransmission 818 can also include an internal pump 820 for buildingpressure within different flow circuits (e.g., main circuit, lubecircuit, etc.) of the transmission 818. The pump 820 can be driven by ashaft 816 that is coupled to the output shaft 804 of the drive unit 802.In this arrangement, the drive unit 802 can deliver torque to the shaft816 for driving the pump 820 and building pressure within the differentcircuits of the transmission 818.

In FIG. 8, the transmission 818 is shown including a planetary gearsystem 822 having a number of automatically selected gears (i.e., eachhaving its own discrete gear ratio). Alternatively, in a differentaspect (e.g., without a torque converter), the transmission 818 may bestructured as an infinitely-variable transmission (IVT) orcontinuously-variable transmission (CVT) which can produce an infinitenumber of gear ratios or speed ratios. In any event, an output shaft 826of the transmission 818 is coupled to or integral with, and rotatablydrives, a propeller or drive shaft 828 that is coupled to a conventionaluniversal joint 830. The universal joint 830 is coupled to, androtatably drives, an axle 832 having wheels 834A and 834B mountedthereto at each end. The output shaft 826 of the transmission 818 drivesthe wheels 834A and 834B in a conventional manner via the propeller ordrive shaft 828, universal joint 830 and axle 832.

A conventional lockup clutch 836 is connected between the pump 810 andthe turbine 812 of the torque converter 808. The operation of the torqueconverter 808 is conventional in that the torque converter 808 isoperable in a so-called “torque converter” mode during certain operatingconditions such as vehicle launch, low speed and certain gear shiftingconditions. In the torque converter mode, the lockup clutch 836 isdisengaged and the pump 810 rotates at the rotational speed of the driveunit output shaft 804 while the turbine 812 is rotatably actuated by thepump 810 through a fluid (not shown) interposed between the pump 810 andthe turbine 812. In this operational mode, torque multiplication occursthrough the fluid coupling such that the turbine shaft 814 is exposed todrive more torque than is being supplied by the drive unit 802, as isknown in the art. The torque converter 808 is alternatively operable ina so-called “lockup” mode during other operating conditions, such aswhen certain gears of the planetary gear system 822 of the transmission818 are engaged. In the lockup mode, the lockup clutch 836 is engagedand the pump 810 is thereby secured directly to the turbine 812 so thatthe drive unit output shaft 804 is directly coupled to the input shaft824 of the transmission 818, as is also known in the art.

The transmission 818 further includes an electro-hydraulic system 838that is fluidly coupled to the planetary gear system 822 via a number,J, of fluid paths, 840 ₁-840 _(J), where J may be any positive integer.The electro-hydraulic system 838 is responsive to control signals toselectively cause fluid to flow through one or more of the fluid paths,840 ₁-840 _(J), to thereby control operation, i.e., engagement anddisengagement, of a plurality of corresponding friction devices in theplanetary gear system 822. The plurality of friction devices mayinclude, but are not limited to, one or more conventional brake devices,one or more torque transmitting devices, and the like. Generally, theoperation, i.e., engagement and disengagement, of the plurality offriction devices is controlled by selectively controlling the frictionapplied by each of the plurality of friction devices, such as bycontrolling fluid pressure to each of the friction devices. In oneexample embodiment, which is not intended to be limiting in any way, theplurality of friction devices include a plurality of brake and torquetransmitting devices in the form of conventional clutches that may eachbe controllably engaged and disengaged via fluid pressure supplied bythe electro-hydraulic system 838. In any case, changing or shiftingbetween the various gears of the transmission 818 is accomplished in aconventional manner by selectively controlling the plurality of frictiondevices via control of fluid pressure within the number of fluid paths840 ₁-840 _(J).

The system 800 can further include a transmission control circuit 842that can include a memory unit 844. The transmission control circuit 842is illustratively microprocessor-based, and the memory unit 844generally includes instructions stored therein that are executable bythe transmission control circuit 842 to control operation of the torqueconverter 808 and operation of the transmission 818, i.e., shiftingbetween the various gear ratios or speed ratios of the planetary gearsystem 822. It will be understood, however, that this disclosurecontemplates other embodiments in which the transmission control circuit842 is not microprocessor-based, but is configured to control operationof the torque converter 808 and/or transmission 818 based on one or moresets of hardwired instructions and/or software instructions stored inthe memory unit 844.

In the system 800 illustrated in FIG. 1, the torque converter 808 andthe transmission 818 include a number of sensors configured to producesensor signals that are indicative of one or more operating states ofthe torque converter 808 and transmission 818, respectively. Forexample, the torque converter 808 illustratively includes a conventionalspeed sensor 846 that is positioned and configured to produce a speedsignal corresponding to the rotational speed of the pump shaft 806,which is the same rotational speed of the output shaft 804 of the driveunit 802. The speed sensor 846 is electrically connected to a pump speedinput, PS, of the transmission control circuit 842 via a signal path852, and the transmission control circuit 842 is operable to process thespeed signal produced by the speed sensor 846 in a conventional mannerto determine the rotational speed of the turbine shaft 806/drive unitoutput shaft 804.

The transmission 818 illustratively includes another conventional speedsensor 848 that is positioned and configured to produce a speed signalcorresponding to the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft824, which is the same rotational speed as the turbine shaft 814. Theinput shaft 824 of the transmission 818 is directly coupled to, orintegral with, the turbine shaft 814, and the speed sensor 848 mayalternatively be positioned and configured to produce a speed signalcorresponding to the rotational speed of the turbine shaft 814. In anycase, the speed sensor 848 is electrically connected to a transmissioninput shaft speed input, TIS, of the transmission control circuit 842via a signal path 854, and the transmission control circuit 842 isoperable to process the speed signal produced by the speed sensor 848 ina conventional manner to determine the rotational speed of the turbineshaft 814/transmission input shaft 824.

The transmission 818 further includes yet another speed sensor 850 thatis positioned and configured to produce a speed signal corresponding tothe rotational speed of the output shaft 826 of the transmission 818.The speed sensor 850 may be conventional, and is electrically connectedto a transmission output shaft speed input, TOS, of the transmissioncontrol circuit 842 via a signal path 856. The transmission controlcircuit 842 is configured to process the speed signal produced by thespeed sensor 850 in a conventional manner to determine the rotationalspeed of the transmission output shaft 826.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission 818 further includes oneor more actuators configured to control various operations within thetransmission 818. For example, the electro-hydraulic system 838described herein illustratively includes a number of actuators, e.g.,conventional solenoids or other conventional actuators, that areelectrically connected to a number, J, of control outputs, CP₁-CP_(J),of the transmission control circuit 842 via a corresponding number ofsignal paths 872 ₁-872 _(J), where J may be any positive integer asdescribed above. The actuators within the electro-hydraulic system 838are each responsive to a corresponding one of the control signals,CP₁-CP_(J), produced by the transmission control circuit 842 on one ofthe corresponding signal paths 872 ₁-872 _(J) to control the frictionapplied by each of the plurality of friction devices by controlling thepressure of fluid within one or more corresponding fluid passageway 840₁-840 _(J), and thus control the operation, i.e., engaging anddisengaging, of one or more corresponding friction devices, based oninformation provided by the various speed sensors 846, 848, and/or 850.The friction devices of the planetary gear system 822 are illustrativelycontrolled by hydraulic fluid which is distributed by theelectro-hydraulic system in a conventional manner. For example, theelectro-hydraulic system 838 illustratively includes a conventionalhydraulic positive displacement pump (not shown) which distributes fluidto the one or more friction devices via control of the one or moreactuators within the electro-hydraulic system 838. In this embodiment,the control signals, CP₁-CP_(J), are illustratively analog frictiondevice pressure commands to which the one or more actuators areresponsive to control the hydraulic pressure to the one or morefrictions devices. It will be understood, however, that the frictionapplied by each of the plurality of friction devices may alternativelybe controlled in accordance with other conventional friction devicecontrol structures and techniques, and such other conventional frictiondevice control structures and techniques are contemplated by thisdisclosure. In any case, however, the analog operation of each of thefriction devices is controlled by the control circuit 842 in accordancewith instructions stored in the memory unit 844.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system 800 further includes a driveunit control circuit 860 having an input/output port (I/O) that iselectrically coupled to the drive unit 802 via a number, K, of signalpaths 862, wherein K may be any positive integer. The drive unit controlcircuit 860 may be conventional, and is operable to control and managethe overall operation of the drive unit 802. The drive unit 802 mayinclude an engine brake, exhaust brake, or similar speed-retardingdevice for reducing the speed of the drive unit 802. The drive unitcontrol circuit 860 can be electrically and operably coupled to thespeed-retarding device via one of the signal paths 862 to control thespeed of the drive unit 802.

The drive unit control circuit 860 further includes a communicationport, COM, which is electrically connected to a similar communicationport, COM, of the transmission control circuit 842 via a number, L, ofsignal paths 864, wherein L may be any positive integer. The one or moresignal paths 864 are typically referred to collectively as a data link.Generally, the drive unit control circuit 860 and the transmissioncontrol circuit 842 are operable to share information via the one ormore signal paths 864 in a conventional manner. In one embodiment, forexample, the drive unit control circuit 860 and transmission controlcircuit 842 are operable to share information via the one or more signalpaths 864 in the form of one or more messages in accordance with asociety of automotive engineers (SAE) J-1939 communications protocol,although this disclosure contemplates other embodiments in which thedrive unit control circuit 860 and the transmission control circuit 842are operable to share information via the one or more signal paths 864in accordance with one or more other conventional communicationprotocols.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a transmission system 100 isshown. The system 100 can be an automatic transmission having a numberof discrete gear ratios. Alternatively, the system 100 can include aninfinitely variable or continuously variable transmission that canprovide a plurality of different gear ratios. Other possibletransmission configurations are possible in the system 100.

In one example, the system 100 includes a transmission capable ofoperating in at least four modes. Each mode can be obtained by applyingdifferent combinations of clutch assemblies. For instance, in FIG. 1,the system can include a first mechanical diode clutch assembly 102, asecond mechanical diode clutch assembly 104, a third mechanical diodeclutch assembly 106, and a fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108.In other embodiments, there can be additional or fewer mechanical diodeclutch assemblies. In FIG. 1, however, the four modes can be obtained byapplying different combinations of the four mechanical diode clutchassemblies.

In FIG. 1, the first mechanical diode clutch assembly 102 and secondmechanical diode clutch assembly 104 are configured in a conventionalmanner such that each forms a one-way clutch and is directly applied bya shift sleeve. For example, the first mechanical diode clutch assembly102 includes an outer member 110 and an inner member 112 that can rotaterelative to one another in the unapplied state (i.e., in one direction).The outer member 110 can be splined or engaged to an outer housing orbody 114, whereas the inner member 112 can be splined or engaged to aninner housing or body 116. The outer body 114 and inner body 116 canform a housing, hub, drum, conically-shaped disc, bowl-shaped disc, orother body-like structure. As such, the outer member 110 can rotate in asubstantially concomitant relationship as the outer housing 114 and theinner member 112 can rotate in a substantially concomitant relationshipas the inner body 116.

Similar to the first mechanical diode clutch assembly 102, the secondmechanical diode clutch assembly 104 can include an outer member 110 andan inner member 112. The outer member 110 can be splined or coupled toanother outer body 128. Moreover, the inner member 112 can be splined orcoupled to a different inner housing or body 136. For example, the innerhousing or body 136 can be a gear, hub, drum, or disc.

As shown in FIG. 1, both the first and second mechanical diode clutchassemblies are shown in unapplied states. To apply or move theassemblies into engaged or applied states, a shift sleeve 124 can beactuated by a shift fork (not shown) and moved in a direction indicatedby arrow 130. To do so, the shift sleeve 124 can include a recess ordefined slot 126 into which the shift fork (not shown) can be disposed.On one side of the shift sleeve 124 nearest its respective mechanicaldiode clutch assembly, a spring 122 is coupled thereto. The spring 122can be compressed as the shift sleeve 124 is moved in the applydirection (i.e., direction 130) against a first strut 120. On theopposite side of the outer member 110 is a second strut 118. The firststrut 120 and second strut 118 can allow the mechanical diode clutchassembly to free-wheel as it rotates in one direction and is locked orprevented from rotating in the opposite direction. As the shift sleeve124 is moved in direction 130, the spring 122 urges the first strut 120into a recess formed in the outer member 110 to lock the outer and innermembers to one another and apply the clutch in a manner similar to thatof a dog clutch. The second strut 118 can be disposed in continuousengagement to allow rotation in only one direction. The first strut 120can be engaged, and in doing so, it can lock the clutch assembly suchthat the clutch assembly does not rotate in the one direction.

The system 100 of FIG. 1 also includes the third mechanical diode clutchassembly 106 and fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108. The thirdmechanical diode clutch assembly 106 can include an outer member 132 andan inner member 134. A retaining ring 164 can be disposed to couple theouter member 132 and inner member 134 to one another as shown. The outermember 132 can be splined or coupled to an outer housing or drum 148 ata spline location 144. The inner member 134 can be splined or coupled toan inner body such as a ring gear 136 at an inner spline location 146.In FIG. 1, the inner member 134 of the third mechanical diode clutchassembly 106 and the inner member 112 of the second mechanical diodeclutch assembly 104 can be splined or coupled to the same inner body orring gear 136. In other embodiments, however, the two inner members canbe coupled to different inner bodies.

The fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108 can also include anouter member 150 and an inner member 152. Another retaining ring 164 canbe provided for coupling or positioning the inner member 152 adjacent tothe outer member 150 as shown in FIG. 1. The outer member 150 can besplined or coupled to an outer body or housing 160 at a spline location162. Moreover, the inner member 152 can be splined or coupled to aninner body such as the ring gear 136. In other embodiments, the innermember 152 can be splined or coupled to an independent body or housingunlike that shown in FIG. 1.

The third mechanical diode clutch assembly 106 can be actuated orapplied in a manner different from the first and second mechanical diodeclutch assemblies. The third mechanical diode clutch assembly 106 doesinclude a shift sleeve 142 having an opening defined in its uppersurface for being removably coupled to a shift fork (not shown).However, as shown, the shift sleeve 142 is positioned in such a mannerthat it is not directly accessible to induce movement of a first strut120 for applying or engaging the third mechanical diode clutch assembly106.

As described above, the second strut 118 is structured to allow eachmechanical diode clutch assembly to free-wheel as it rotates in onedirection and is locked or prevented from rotating in the oppositedirection. While in regards to the first and second mechanical diodeclutch assemblies, the shift sleeves 126 were positioned directlyadjacent to the first strut 120 such that the spring 122 was directlyattached to an apply side of the shift sleeve. As such, movement of theshift sleeve 126 along direction 130 resulted in the spring 122 inducingmovement of the first strut 120 to engage the outer members 110 in theapply state.

Referring back to the third mechanical diode clutch assembly 106, theshift sleeve 142 can include a notch or groove defined in its lowerportion for receiving an actuation plate 138. In particular, theactuation plate 138 can include a partially or substantially bent orcurved end 140 that is received in the notch or groove of the shiftsleeve 142. This engagement or coupling between the end 140 of theactuation plate 138 and the shift sleeve 142 can result in substantiallyconcomitant movement between the shift sleeve 142 and actuation plate138. In other words, as the shift sleeve 142 moves along direction 130,the actuation plate 138 can also be moved in a similar manner and in thesame direction 130. Thus, axial or linear movement of the shift sleeve142 results in axial or linear movement of the actuation plate 138.

The actuation plate 138 can be a substantially planar plate formed ofaluminum, steel, or other material. While the actuation plate 138 issubstantially planar along its length, the first end 140 and second end170 are curved or bent. While the first end 140 is bent or curved forengaging a notch or groove in the shift sleeve 142, the second end 170can also be bent or curved for engaging or applying the first strut 120.Here, the second end 170 is bent or curved in a direction towards theouter member 132. In FIG. 1, the first end 140 and second end 170 areshown bent or curved in the same direction. In other embodiments,however, this may be different. On an apply side of the second end 170of the actuation plate 138, a spring 122 can be coupled thereto. Assuch, as the shift sleeve 142 is moved along direction 130, theactuation plate 138, most notably the second end 170, moves the spring122 into contact with the first strut 120. In one aspect, the firststrut 120 can be affixed to the spring 122. In another aspect, the firststrut 120 can be removably coupled to the spring 122.

As the first strut 120 is moved by the actuation plate 138, it is movedinto a recessed portion 166 of the outer member 132. In one aspect, thefirst strut 120 can be completely disposed in the recessed portion 166.In a different aspect, the first strut 120 may only be partiallydisposed in the recessed portion 166. In any event, by moving the firststrut at least partially into the recessed portion, the third mechanicaldiode clutch assembly 106 is disposed in an apply condition or state. Assuch, the outer member 132 and lower member 134 are coupled to oneanother in the apply condition or state.

The fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108 can be actuated betweenan unapply state and an apply state via movement of a differentactuation plate 154. The actuation plate 154 can include a first end 156and a second end 172. The first end 156 of the actuation plate 154 canbe bent or curved in such a manner that it can be received within anotch or groove defined in a lower portion of a fourth shift sleeve 158.As shown in FIG. 1, the shift sleeve 158 can include a defined opening126 in its upper portion for coupling or engaging with a shift fork (notshown). The shift fork (not shown) can induce movement in the shiftsleeve 158 for moving the fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108between the apply and unapply states.

The second end 172 of the actuation plate 154 can also be bent or curvedin such a manner to induce substantially axial movement of a first strut120 and spring 122. The spring 122 can be affixed or coupled to thesecond end 172. For instance, the spring 122 can be removably coupled toeither the first strut 120 or second end 172. Alternatively, the firststrut 120 and spring 122 can be coupled to the second end 172 in boththe apply and unapply states. In the apply state, the first strut can bemoved into a recessed portion 166 of the outer member 150 of the fourthmechanical diode clutch assembly 108. In the unapply state, a secondstrut 118 can be positioned such that the fourth mechanical diode clutchassembly can freely rotate in one direction, but is precluded fromrotation in an opposite direction thereof.

To engage the fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108, the shiftsleeve 158, actuation plate 154, and first strut 120 are moved in adirection indicated by arrow 168. As shown in FIG. 1, direction 168 issubstantially opposite from direction 130. Unlike the conventional firstand second mechanical diode clutch assemblies, the third and fourthmechanical diode clutch assemblies are positioned in a manner such thatthe shift forks and shift sleeves for the third and fourth diodes arenot directly adjacent thereto. Instead, in one embodiment, the outermember 132 of the third mechanical diode clutch assembly 106 can becoupled to a first drive mechanism 148 such as a hub, for example, andthe outer member 150 of the fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108can be coupled to a second drive mechanism 160 such as a rotating hub orbody. In any event, the drive mechanisms 148, 160 provide an obstructionor block access to either the third or fourth mechanical diode clutchassembly. As such, the shift sleeves for these mechanical diode clutchassemblies cannot apply the diodes in the same manner as the first twoconventional assemblies and thus include actuation plates.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the apply side of the third and fourthmechanical diode clutch assemblies can be positioned such that bothsides face one another. This can allow a combination of a shift fork andshift sleeve to apply both clutch assemblies.

Moreover, in the unapply state, the inner members of the third andfourth mechanical diode clutch assemblies can rotate faster than theouter members. As described above, on the unapply side (i.e., the sidein which the second strut 118 is positioned) of both diodes there is nospring to couple or lock the outer and inner members to one another. Assuch, when there is a differential speed between the outer and innermembers, the clutch assemblies can free wheel in at least one direction.On the other hand, as the actuation plates move the spring 122 and firststruts 120 into contact with the recessed portion 166 of the outermembers, the inner and outer members form a one-way clutch. In oneaspect, the mechanical clutch diode cannot free wheel in the appliedstate and thereby becomes a locked assembly and a mechanical clutch.

In FIG. 1, the third mechanical diode clutch assembly 106 can bestructured such that it freely rotates in the same direction as thefirst and second clutch assemblies. The fourth mechanical diode clutchassembly 108, however, free wheels in the direction opposite of thethird mechanical diode clutch assembly since it is applied from adifferent side of the diode. As shown in FIG. 1, the actuation plate 154for applying the fourth mechanical diode clutch assembly 108 at leastpartially is disposed underneath a portion of the third mechanical diodeclutch assembly 106.

Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an actuation system 200 of atransmission is shown. The actuation system 200 is similar to that shownin FIG. 1 for applying and unapplying the third and fourth mechanicaldiode clutch assemblies. The actuation system 200 can include a firstactuation plate 202 and a second actuation plate 204. The firstactuation plate 202 and second actuation plate 204 can include internalsplines 206 for engaging corresponding splines or teeth on the internalbody or ring gear 136 of FIG. 1.

The actuation system 200 can also include a first shift sleeve 226 and asecond shift sleeve 224. The first shift sleeve 226 can include internalsplines 234 for engaging corresponding splines on the internal body orring gear 136. Similarly, the second shift sleeve 224 can includeinternal splines 232 for engaging the internal body or ring gear 136.Moreover, at the outer surface or diameter of the first shift sleeve226, a radial groove or slot 230 is defined therein. The radial grooveor slot 230 can receive a shift fork (not shown) similar to the definedslots 126 in FIG. 1. The second shift sleeve 224 can also include adefined radial groove or slot 228 along its outer surface or diameterfor receiving a shift fork (not shown).

The manner in which the shift fork (not shown) induces movement in thefirst and second actuation plates is also shown in FIG. 2. The firstactuation plate 202 can include a plurality of legs that extend from theplate 202 to the first shift sleeve 226. In FIG. 2, the plurality oflegs can include a first leg 208, a second leg 210, and a third leg 212.Although only three legs are shown in FIG. 2, there can be any number oflegs in other embodiments. Each of the first leg 208, second leg 210,and third leg 212 can include a bent or curved end 222 for engaging adefined groove or notch defined in the first sleeve 226. In particular,the bent or curved end 222 of each leg is similar to the bent end 140 ofactuation plate 138 and the bent end 156 of actuation plate 154 inFIG. 1. In addition, each of the bent ends 222 of the plurality of legscoupled to the first actuation plate 202 can engage or couple to thefirst shift sleeve 226 in areas 236 where the shift sleeve 226 does notinclude any internal splines. Similarly, the internal body or ring gear136 can also be designed without splines in areas where the plurality oflegs are disposed.

The second actuation plate 204 can also include a plurality of legs asshown in FIG. 2. For instance, the plurality of legs can include a firstleg 214, a second leg 216, and a third leg 218. Although only three legsare shown in FIG. 2, it is possible for any number of legs to beprovided in other embodiments. Similar to the legs of the firstactuation plate 202, each of the first leg 214, second leg 216, andthird leg 218 can include bent or curved ends 220 for engaging acorresponding groove or notch defined in the second shift sleeve 224.Each of the bent ends 220 of the plurality of legs coupled to the secondactuation plate 204 can engage or couple to the second shift sleeve 224in areas 236 where the shift sleeve 224 does not include any internalsplines. Similarly, the internal body or ring gear 136 can also bedesigned without splines in areas where the plurality of legs aredisposed.

The plurality of legs can allow movement of the shift sleeves to inducesubstantially concomitant movement in the first and second actuationplates. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of legs of eachactuation plate can slide during an apply or unapply movement throughareas of missing gear teeth or splines on the outer surface or diameterof the ring gear 136 or body. In FIG. 2, there are at least six areasalong the circumference or outer diameter of the ring gear 136 or bodythat is absent of splines or teeth. The number of areas of missing teethor splines can depend on the number of actuation plates and number oflegs. Moreover, referring to the embodiment in FIG. 1, each of theplurality of legs can also be disposed underneath at least a portion ofthe third mechanical diode clutch assembly 106.

During assembly, each of the plurality of legs can be bent or movedinwardly to engage the shift sleeve. Once the plurality of legs arecoupled to the shift sleeve, the additional coupling of the ring gear136 or body to the actuation system further couples the actuation platesto the sleeves. In at least one embodiment, the ring gear or body canprevent dislodgement of the bent or curved end in the recess or notchdefined in the shift sleeve.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, each actuation plate can engage aspring 122 for applying a clutch assembly. In one embodiment, there canbe three or more springs spaced around and positioned between theactuation plate and first strut 120. In a related embodiment, the numberof springs may correlate to the number of struts in the design.

Referring to FIG. 3, a different embodiment of an actuation system isshown. Here, a first actuation plate 300 and a second actuation 302 formpart of the system. The first actuation plate 300 includes at least oneleg 304 having a bent or curved end 312. The second actuation plate 302also includes at least one leg 306 having a bent or curved end 314. Theactuation system also includes a first shift sleeve 308 and a secondshift sleeve 310. Each of the first and second shift sleeves can beactuated or moved by a shift fork of a synchronizer assembly. Othermeans or mechanisms for actuating the shift forks may be possible aswell. The first shift sleeve 308 can include an opening 316 forreceiving the bent or curved end 312 of the first actuation plate 300.Similarly, the second shift sleeve 310 can include an opening 318 forreceiving the bent or curved end 314 of the second actuation plate 302.As the opening 316, 318 in either shift sleeve receives the bent orcurved end of either actuation plate, the received end can be rotated bya relatively small angle to be received within a groove or slot 320 ofthe shift sleeve. In this manner, the shift sleeve can receive thecorresponding bent or curved end in a bayonet-like fitting. There may beother ways for engaging the actuation plate to the shift sleeve, and theembodiments of FIGS. 1-3 only provide limited examples of how to do so.These illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and anymeans for engaging and securing the legs of the actuation plate to theshift sleeve may be used.

In FIG. 4, a different embodiment of a transmission system 400 is shown.The transmission system 400 can include a first mechanical diode clutchassembly 402 and a second mechanical diode clutch assembly 404. Thefirst mechanical diode clutch assembly 402 can include an outer member406 and an inner member 410 that can rotate relative to one another atdifferent speeds in an unapplied state or at about the same speed in theapplied state. The inner member 410 can be coupled to or splined to aninner body such as a ring gear 414. In other aspects, the inner body canbe any type of housing, body, drum, or hub. Like the first mechanicaldiode clutch assembly 402, the second mechanical diode clutch assembly404 can also include an outer member 408 and an inner member 412. Theinner member 412 can be coupled or splined to an inner body such as thering gear 414. In other aspects, the inner member 412 can be coupled toan inner body that is different from the inner body to which innermember 410 is coupled or splined.

In an applied state, the outer and inner members can rotate in aconcomitant relationship to one another, i.e., at about the same speed.In an unapplied state, however, the inner member 412 can rotate at afaster speed than the outer member 408. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the first and second mechanical diode clutch assemblies canrotate in a free wheel manner in one direction in the unapplied state,whereas in the applied state the inner and outer members form asubstantially one-way clutch configuration.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer members 406, 408 can include a T-shapedcross-section that defines a recessed portion 456 in each of its applyside and unapply side. For example, the outer member 406 has an applyside 458 and an unapply side 460. On the apply side 458 is a first strut418 that can be moved at least partially into the recessed portion 456defined in the apply side 458 of the outer member 406 to engage or applythe first mechanical diode clutch assembly 402. On the unapply side 460of the outer member 406 is a second strut 416 that can allow for thediode to free wheel in one direction in the unapplied state. The outermember 408 of the second mechanical diode clutch assembly 404 can alsoinclude an apply side 462 and an unapply side 464. The outer member 408can include a T-shaped cross-section that defines recessed portions 456at both the apply side 462 and unapply side 464. A first strut 418 isdisposed on the apply side 462 of the outer member 408 and a secondstrut is disposed on the unapply side 464. The second mechanical diodeclutch assembly 404 can be engaged or applied by moving the first strutinto the recessed portion 456 on the apply side 462 of the outer member408.

The first and second mechanical diode clutch assemblies in FIG. 4 caninclude many of the same features and characteristics as the third andfourth mechanical diode clutch assemblies shown FIG. 1 and previouslydescribed. For example, both diodes in FIG. 4 are positioned such thatthe apply sides of both diodes are disposed internally within thetransmission system and cannot be directly accessed by a shift sleeve(e.g., such as by the manner in which the conventional first and secondmechanical diode clutch assemblies are actuated).

In FIG. 4, a first actuation plate 420 can be used to actuate or engagethe first mechanical diode clutch assembly 402 and a second actuationplate 422 can be used to actuate or engage the second mechanical diodeclutch assembly 404. The first and second actuation plates can bestructured similarly to the actuation plates in FIG. 2, where eachactuation plate includes a plurality of legs that extend between theplate and a bent or curved end adapted to engage a shift sleeve. Forinstance, the first actuation plate 420 can include a bent or curved end430 that can be received within a groove or notch defined in a portionof a first shift sleeve 434. The manner in which the bent or curved end430 engages the first shift sleeve 434 can be via a snap connection,bayonet-like fitting, tongue-in-groove connection, or any other type ofconnection. The first shift sleeve 434 can include another notch oropening for receiving a first shift fork 438. The first shift fork 438can move the first shift sleeve 434 to induce movement in the firstactuation plate 420.

At the opposite end of the bent or curved end 430, the first actuationplate can include a second bent or curved end that forms the applyportion of the plate. This second end, or apply portion, of theactuation plate 420 can include a defined opening through which a pin424 is coupled to the actuation plate 420. The pin 424 can include agroove or notch defined in its outer surface or diameter so that aretaining ring or clip 428 can secure the pin 424 to the actuation plate420. The retaining ring or clip 428 is coupled near one end of the pin424, whereas the opposite end of the pin 424 can include a chamferednose 450. The chamfered nose 450 can include an outer wing-like radiusthat allows a spring 426 to be disposed between this outer radius andthe actuation plate, as shown in FIG. 4.

As the first mechanical diode clutch assembly 402 is applied, the firstshift fork 438 moves the first shift sleeve along a direction indicatedby arrow 452. In doing so, the first shift sleeve 434 induces similarmovement in the first actuation plate 420 via the connection between thebent or curved end 430 and the shift sleeve 434. As the first actuationplate 420 moves along direction 452, the pin 424 also moves in the samedirection. As the pin continues to move in direction 452, the chamferednose 450 comes into contact with the first strut 418. The initialcontact between the chamfered nose 450 and first strut 418 may cause thespring to compress by a small amount, thereby allowing the pin 424 toslide axially along a direction indicated by arrow 454 relative to theactuation plate 420. For purposes of this disclosure, the axialdirection is the same as the apply or unapply direction, i.e., alongdirections 452 and 454. As the actuation plate 420 continues to movealong direction 452, the pin 424 can urge the first strut 418 into therecessed portion 456 of the outer member 406. The first strut 418 canmove axially with the pin 424, or it may pivot such that only a portionof the first strut 418 is disposed in the recessed portion 456. In anyevent, the first strut 418 can be moved at least partially into therecessed portion 456 to couple the outer member 406 and inner member 410to one another.

As the pin 424 moves the first strut 418 into the recessed portion 456of the upper member 406, there can be a position at which the firststrut 418 is disposed as far as it will go into the recessed portion456. Any additional movement of the pin 424 along direction 452 mayresult in the pin 424 being urged by first strut in direction 454. Indoing so, the spring 426 can compress between the second end of thefirst actuation plate 420 and the pin 424. Here, the pin 424 moves alongdirection 454 relative to the first actuation plate 420. The retainingring or clip 428 can permit limited axial movement of the pin 424 alongdirection 454, and as soon as the actuation plate 420 is disengaged ormoved along the unapply direction 454 the spring 426 can return the pin424 to its normal position.

In FIG. 4, the pin 424 is shown passing through an opening defined inthe inner member 410 of the first mechanical diode clutch assembly 402.The opening in the inner member 410 can be sized to the approximatediameter D of the chamfered nose 450. In other aspects, the opening maybe sized slightly larger than the diameter or width of the pin 424. Inany event, the chamfered nose 450 allows the pin 424 to pass through theopening and move relative thereto during operation.

The second actuation plate 422 can also include a bent or curved end 432that can be received within a groove or notch defined in a portion of asecond shift sleeve 436. The manner in which the bent or curved end 432engages the second shift sleeve 436 can be via a snap connection,bayonet-like fitting, tongue-in-groove connection, or any other type ofconnection. The second shift sleeve 436 can include another notch oropening for receiving a second shift fork 440. The second shift fork 440can be part of a synchronizer assembly (not shown) that be operatedaccording to known methods. The second shift fork 440 can move thesecond shift sleeve 436 to induce movement in the second actuation plate422.

At the opposite end of the bent or curved end 432, the second actuationplate 422 can include a second bent or curved end. This second bent orcurved end can form the apply portion of the actuation plate. Moreover,this second bent end, or apply portion, of the actuation plate 422 caninclude a defined opening through which a pin 424 is coupled to theactuation plate 422. The pin 424 can include a groove or notch definedin its outer surface or diameter so that a retaining ring or clip 428can secure the pin 424 to the actuation plate 422. The retaining ring orclip 428 is coupled near one end of the pin 424, whereas the oppositeend of the pin 424 can include a chamfered nose 450. The chamfered nose450 can include an outer wing-like radius that allows a spring 426 to bedisposed between this outer radius and the actuation plate, as shown inFIG. 4. In this way, the first actuation plate 420 and second actuationplate 422 are structured similarly.

As the second actuation plate 422 is moved by the second shift sleeve436 to apply or engage the second mechanical diode clutch assembly 408,the second actuation plate 422 and pin 424 are moved along direction454. Here, the second actuation plate 422 moves in the oppositedirection as the first actuation plate 420 when both plates are moved inthe apply direction. Similarly, as the second actuation plate 422 ismoved in the unapply direction 452, the unapply direction 452 of thesecond actuation plate 422 is opposite the unapply direction 454 of thefirst actuation plate 420. In this embodiment, the apply side 458 of thefirst mechanical diode clutch assembly 402 is on the left side as shownin FIG. 4, whereas the apply side 462 of the second mechanical diodeclutch assembly 404 is on the right side thereof in FIG. 4. Theactuation plates of both diodes can be radially offset from one anothersimilar to that shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 4, the actuation plates can include detents that can limitmovement of the actuation plates. For instance, the first actuationplate 420 can include a first dimple 442 disposed on its inner surface.The first dimple 442 can be received in a corresponding notch 446defined in an outer surface of the ring gear 414. Similarly, the secondactuation plate 422 can include a second dimple 444 disposed on itsinner surface. The second dimple 444 can be received in a correspondingnotch 448 defined in the outer surface of the ring gear 414.

In this embodiment, the first dimple 442 can be received in the notch446 when the first actuation plate 420 is moved in direction 452 toapply the first mechanical diode clutch assembly 402. As the dimple 442is received in the notch 446, the first actuation plate 420 can belimited or prevented from moving any further in the apply direction 452.The size and shape of the notch 446 can facilitate the limited movementof the first actuation plate 420 in direction 452, but allow the firstactuation plate 420 to move freely from the notch 446 in the unapplydirection 454. In addition, the interaction between the first dimple 442and notch 446 can also to dampen the spring load so that the load doesnot create a power loss at the fork/sleeve interface.

The second dimple 444 can be received in the notch 448 when the secondactuation plate 422 is moved in direction 454 to apply the secondmechanical diode clutch assembly 404. As the dimple 444 is received inthe notch 448, the second actuation plate 422 can be limited orprevented from moving any further in the apply direction 454. The sizeand shape of the notch 448 can further facilitate the limited movementof the second actuation plate 422 in direction 454, but allow the secondactuation plate 422 to move freely from the notch 448 in the unapplydirection 452.

In one aspect, the retaining rings or clips 428 can limit or prevent thepins 424 from moving relative to the first and second actuation platesin the apply state. Thus, to prevent the pins 424 from reaching adead-headed position relative to the first struts 418, the notches 446,448 can limit further movement of the actuation plates in the applydirection. As such, the springs 426 can provide damping to the actuationplates and the notches can define movement thereof.

Turning to FIG. 5, a related embodiment to that of FIG. 4 is shown.Features shown in FIG. 4 and described above are shown in FIG. 5 withthe same reference numbers. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4, however,the first actuation plate 420 and second actuation plate 422 do notinclude dimples on each respective inner surface. Instead, the firstshift sleeve 434 is structured to include a pin 500 disposed within aninternal cavity thereof. The pin 500 can include a partially hollowchamber in which a retractable ball 502 and spring 504 are disposed. Theball 502 can be coupled to one end of the spring 504 and is capable ofmoving in a direction substantially orthogonal to either apply direction452, 454. Similarly, the second shift sleeve 436 is structured toinclude a pin 506 disposed within an internal cavity thereof. The pin506 can also include a partially hollow chamber similar to pin 500, suchthat a retractable ball 508 and spring 510 are disposed therein. Theball 508 can be coupled to one end of the spring 510 and is capable ofmoving in a direction substantially orthogonal to either apply direction452, 454.

As the first actuation plate 420 is moved in the apply direction 452,the first shift sleeve 434 also moves in the same direction. As theshift sleeve 434 continues to move in this direction, the ball 502 canbe received in the notch 446 defined in the outer surface of the ringgear 414. Likewise, as the second shift sleeve 436 moves in the applydirection 454, the ball 508 can be received in the other notch 448defined in the outer surface of the ring gear 414. The notches 446, 448can function like detents and limit the movement of the shift sleeves inthe respective apply directions and further prevent or reduce the loadfrom inducing a power loss at the fork/sleeve interface. Moreover, sincethe balls are retractable within the hollow chamber of each sleeve, theshift sleeves can be disengaged from the notches by moving therespective shift sleeve in the unapply direction thereby moving the ballfurther into the hollow chamber and compressing the spring disposedtherein. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the balls 502, 508 can bedisposed within the hollow chamber of each pin anytime the respectivediode is unapplied. However, as the diode is applied, the shift sleeveis moved in the apply direction and once the pin 500, 506 moves over thecorresponding notch 446, 448, the ball 502, 508 can be pushed out of thehollow chamber by the spring 504, 510 to engage the corresponding notch446, 448.

In FIG. 6, a different embodiment is shown of an actuation system 600for engaging or applying a mechanical diode clutch assembly 602. Themechanical diode clutch assembly 602 can include an outer member 604 andan inner member 606. The inner member 606 can be coupled or splined toan inner body 622. The inner body 622 can be a driving mechanism or astationary mechanism. The inner body 622 can be a drum, hub, gear, orhousing. In addition, a retaining ring or clip 624 can position theinner member 606 relative to the outer member 604, as shown in FIG. 6.In one aspect, the outer and inner members can rotate at differentialspeeds when the clutch assembly is disengaged or unapplied. Forinstance, the clutch assembly can rotate freely in one direction in theunapplied state. Once the clutch assembly is applied or engaged, theouter and inner members can be locked or coupled to one another to forma one-way clutch.

To apply the mechanical diode clutch assembly 602, an actuation plate610 can be moved by a shift sleeve (not shown) in direction 620. Theactuation plate 610 can include an apply portion 632 formed as a bent orcurved end thereof, and extending from the apply portion 632 is one of aplurality of legs 634 capable of coupling with the shift sleeve in amanner similar to that previously described.

In this embodiment, an outer housing 612 can preclude a shift sleevefrom directly engaging a strut for applying the diode in a conventionalmanner. Instead, movement of the actuation plate 610 can induce movementof a strut 608 for being received within a recessed portion defined inthe outer member 604. To induce strut movement, the apply portion 632 ofthe actuation plate 610 can include a defined opening. The size of thedefined opening can be such as to receive a cap 614. The cap 614 caninclude a bulk head 628 that protrudes from one side of the definedopening. At the end opposite the bulk head 628, the cap 614 can includea radial-like protrusion or finger 630 for coupling to a spring 616. Theradial-like protrusion or finger 630 can form an attachment means 618for engaging or coupling to an end of the spring 616 such that the cap614 and spring 616 are coupled to one another.

The diameter of the spring 616 is such that it can pass through anopening defined in the inner member 606. The defined opening can have adiameter, D, as shown in FIG. 6. This diameter can be sized such thatthe spring 616 can pass freely therethrough and contact the strut 608.In another aspect, the strut 608 can be coupled directly to the spring616. In any event, the actuation plate 610 can be moved in direction 620until the strut 608 is disposed in the recessed portion of the uppermember 604. Once the strut 608 has reached its maximum displacement inthe apply direction, any further movement of the actuation plate 610 canresult in compression of the spring 616. Moreover, as the actuationplate 610 moves in the unapply direction (i.e., opposite the applydirection 620), the spring 616 can decompress until it reaches itsuncompressed condition.

An alternative system 700 for applying a mechanical diode clutchassembly 702 is shown in FIG. 7. The mechanical diode clutch assembly702 can include an outer member 704 and an inner member 706. The innermember 706 can be coupled or splined to an inner body 716. The innerbody 716 can be a driving mechanism or a stationary mechanism. The innerbody 716 can be a drum, hub, gear, or housing. In addition, a retainingring or clip 708 can position the inner member 706 relative to the outermember 704, as shown in FIG. 7. In one aspect, the outer and innermembers can rotate at differential speeds when the clutch assembly 702is disengaged or unapplied. For instance, the clutch assembly 702 canrotate freely in one direction in the unapplied state. Once the clutchassembly 702 is applied or engaged, the outer and inner members can belocked or coupled to one another to form a one-way clutch.

To apply the mechanical diode clutch assembly 702, an actuation plate714 can be moved by a shift sleeve (not shown) in direction 728. Theactuation plate 714 can include an apply portion 734 formed as a bent orcurved end thereof. In FIG. 7, one of a plurality of legs 736 is showncoupled to the apply portion 734 of the actuation plate 714. Theplurality of legs 736 can be integrally coupled to the apply portion734, mechanically fastened to one another, adhered, welded, or coupledto one another in other known ways. Each of the plurality of legs 736 iscapable of coupling to the shift sleeve in a manner similar to thatpreviously described. Thus, movement of the shift sleeve can inducemovement of the plurality of legs 736, thereby causing the actuationplate 714 to move in a concomitant relationship with the shift sleeve.

Although not shown, an outer housing can preclude a shift sleeve (notshown) from directly engaging a strut for applying the diode in aconventional manner. Instead, movement of the actuation plate 714 caninduce movement of a strut 710 for being received within a recessedportion (not shown) defined in the outer member 704. To induce strutmovement, the actuation plate 714 can include an opening defined in abent or curved end 726 thereof. The size of the defined opening, e.g.,diameter D_(P), can be such as to receive a plunger 718. The plunger 718can include a substantially hollow interior that is sized to receive aretractable member 722 and a spring 724. The retractable member 722 canbe coupled to one end of the spring 724, whereas the opposite end of thespring 724 can be coupled within the plunger 718. In an alternativeaspect, the spring 724 may include a diameter, D_(S), such that thespring 724 is confined within the interior of the plunger 718.

The plunger 718 can be coupled to the actuation plate 714 via aretaining clip or fastener 720. For example, a notch or groove can bedefined within an outer surface of the plunger 718 in which the clip orfastener 720 is received. The retaining clip or fastener 720 can limitor prevent the plunger 718 from moving in the apply direction 728relative to the actuation plate 714. In addition, the plunger 718 canhave limited movement in the apply direction 728 due to shoulder 732 ofthe plunger 718 contacting the actuation plate 714. Here, the diameterof the opening, D_(P), in the actuation plate 714 can be such that itreceives a first portion of the plunger 718 having a first diameter, D₁.Another portion of the plunger 718, however, can include a seconddiameter, D₂, that is greater than the first diameter, D₁. The shoulder732 is defined at the interface between the first diameter, D₁, andsecond diameter, D₂. In this aspect, the second diameter, D₂, is greaterthan the diameter of the defined opening, D_(P), in the actuation plate714, thereby limiting movement of the plunger 718 in the unapplydirection (i.e., opposite the apply direction 728).

As the mechanical diode clutch assembly 702 is applied, the actuationplate 714 moves in the apply direction 728. As such, the plunger 718also moves in the apply direction 728. In doing so, the retractablemember 722 of the plunger 718 can pass through a channel or cavity 712defined in the inner member 706. The plunger 718 can include a chamferedend 730 that further facilitates movement of the plunger into thischannel or cavity 712. As the actuation plate 714 moves further in theapply direction 728, the retractable member 722 can come into contactwith the strut 710. The retractable member 722 can initially compressthe spring 724 upon contact with the strut 710, but the spring 724 canbe designed with a spring constant such that the spring force urges theretractable member 722 towards the strut 710. The strut 710 can be movedcompletely or partially into a recessed portion (not shown) of the outermember 704 to couple the outer member 704 and inner member 706 to oneanother. Once the strut 710 reaches its maximum displacement in theapply direction 728, the strut cannot be moved any further. Continuedmovement of the actuation plate 714 therefore results in the retractablemember 722 compressing the spring 724 by some amount less than thespring's fully compressed position. Once the actuation plate 714 movesin the unapply direction, the spring 724 can decompress and theretractable member 722 can move in the apply direction 728 out of thehollow interior of the plunger 718.

Other configurations of a cap, pin, or plunger can be used in theembodiments of FIGS. 1-7. Moreover, the detent structure of FIGS. 4 and5 can be incorporated into any embodiment. It is also to be understoodthat the actuation plates and mechanical diodes can be applied in anydirection other than those previously described. The embodiments bothdescribed and illustrated can be used in an automatic transmission thatincludes a plurality of ranges having discrete gear ratios, or it can beincorporated into an infinitely variable or continuously variabletransmission.

While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the presentinvention have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is notlimited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application isintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An actuation assembly for applying a mechanicaldiode clutch, the clutch including an outer member, an inner member, anda strut, comprising: a plate having an apply portion and a plurality oflegs, where each of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to theapply portion and a second end adapted to couple to a shift sleeve; anda mechanism coupled to the apply portion of the plate, the mechanismincluding at least one biasing member; wherein, the plate is moveablebetween an unapply position and an apply position; further wherein, amovement from the unapply position to the apply position induces contactbetween the mechanism and the strut.
 2. The actuation assembly of claim1, wherein the second end of at least one of the plurality of legscomprises a bent end adapted to couple to the shift sleeve.
 3. Theactuation assembly of claim 1, wherein the apply portion forms asubstantially planar face that is disposed substantially orthogonal tothe plurality of legs.
 4. The actuation assembly of claim 1, wherein theapply portion defines an opening therein for receiving the mechanism. 5.The actuation assembly of claim 4, further comprising a retaining clipfor coupling the mechanism to the apply portion.
 6. The actuationassembly of claim 4, wherein the mechanism is moveable about an axialdirection relative to the apply portion.
 7. The actuation assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising splined teeth formed on an inner diameter ofthe plate, the splined teeth configured to engage corresponding teeth onan internal body.
 8. The actuation assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a dimple formed on a bottom surface of each of the pluralityof legs, where in the apply position the dimple is adapted to bereceived within a recess defined in an internal body.
 9. The actuationassembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a spring coupled tothe apply portion.
 10. The actuation assembly of claim 1, wherein themechanism comprises: a pin coupled to the apply portion of the plate,where the apply portion defines an opening for receiving the pin; and aspring circumscribing the pin and disposed between the plate and one endof the pin.
 11. The actuation assembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanismcomprises: a cap coupled to the apply portion of the plate, where theapply portion defines an opening for receiving the cap; and a springcoupled at one end to the cap.
 12. The actuation assembly of claim 1,wherein: the mechanism comprises a plunger coupled to the apply portionof the plate, the plunger defining an interior cavity for receiving aspring and a retractable member; the spring being substantially retainedwithin the interior cavity; and the retractable member is coupled to thespring and at least a portion of the recessed end protrudes from theinterior cavity.
 13. The actuation assembly of claim 12, wherein therecessed portion is disposed substantially within the interior cavity inthe apply position and is at least partially disposed outside of theinterior cavity in the unapply position.
 14. A transmission system,comprising: a mechanical diode clutch including an outer member and aninner member, the outer member being coupled to an outer body and theinner member being coupled to an inner body, where the outer member isstructured to define a recessed opening; a strut positioned relative tothe outer member for being at least partially received in the recessedopening; a shift sleeve moveable from a first position to a secondposition, the shift sleeve defining a first opening adapted to receive ashift fork; an actuation assembly including a plate having an applyportion and a plurality of legs, where each of the plurality of legs hasa first end coupled to the apply portion and a second end coupled to theshift sleeve; and a mechanism coupled to the apply portion of the plate;wherein, a movement of the shift sleeve between the first position andsecond position induces a substantially concomitant movement of theactuation assembly between an apply position and an unapply position;further wherein, in the apply position, the mechanism is disposed incontact with the strut.
 15. The transmission system of claim 14, whereinthe shift sleeve includes a defined notch for receiving the second endof each of the plurality of legs.
 16. The transmission system of claim14, further comprising splined teeth formed on an inner diameter of theplate, the splined teeth configured to engage corresponding teeth on theinner body.
 17. The transmission system of claim 16, wherein the innerbody comprises a plurality of locations about its outer diameter thatare substantially free of any teeth, where at least one of the pluralityof legs is disposed in at least one of the plurality of locations. 18.The transmission system of claim 14, further comprising: a dimple formedon a bottom surface of each of the plurality of legs; and a recessdefined in an outer diameter of the inner body, where in the applyposition the dimple is adapted to be received within the defined recess.19. The transmission system of claim 14, wherein the mechanismcomprises: a pin coupled to the apply portion of the plate, where theapply portion defines an opening for receiving the pin; and a springcircumscribing the pin and disposed between the plate and one end of thepin.
 20. The transmission system of claim 14, wherein the mechanismcomprises: a plunger coupled to the apply portion of the plate; a springbeing substantially retained within an interior cavity of the plunger;and a retractable member coupled to the spring; wherein, at least aportion of the recessed member is disposed in the interior cavity of theplunger in the apply position.
 21. The transmission system of claim 14,further comprising: a second mechanical diode clutch including an outermember and an inner member, the outer member being coupled to a secondouter body and the inner member being coupled to the inner body, wherethe outer member is structured to define a recessed opening; a secondstrut positioned relative to the outer member for being at leastpartially received in the recessed opening; a second shift sleevemoveable from a first position to a second position; a second actuationassembly including a plate having an apply portion and a plurality oflegs, where each of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to theapply portion and a second end coupled to the second shift sleeve; and asecond mechanism coupled to the apply portion of the plate; wherein, thefirst actuation assembly moves in a first direction from the unapplyposition to the apply position and the second actuation assembly movesin a second direction from the unapply position to the apply position,where the first direction is opposite the second direction.
 22. Thetransmission system of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of legsof the first and second actuation assemblies are positioned between theinner body and the upper members of both the first and second mechanicaldiode clutches.